IMA acquires new Practice Direction

The Independent Monitoring Authority for the Citizens’ Rights Agreements (IMA) has received approval for a new Practice Direction which will come into force on 1 October 2023.

The IMA protects the rights of EU and EEA EFTA citizens and their family members in the UK and Gibraltar through monitoring and promoting the implementation and application of the citizens’ rights contained within Part 2 of the Withdrawal and Separation Agreements.

Once implemented, the new Practice Direction will mean that when a party serves a statement of case which raises a citizens’ rights issue, that party must send a copy of the statement of case to the IMA at the same time.

This will enable the IMA to take decisions on where it may assist the courts or tribunals in interpreting the Agreements; it will also highlight areas where citizens are potentially facing problems in enjoying their rights.

Although there is no sanction proposed for non-compliance, in the event of such instances, the court will consider whether orders should be made or steps taken as a result.

To notify the IMA about such cases, parties can email litigation@ima-citizensrights.org.uk, or write to the IMA, 3rd Floor, Civic Offices, Oystermouth Road, Swansea, SA1 3SN.